Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club - Channahon, IL Review

Until this last weekend, I hadn't played Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club in Channahon, IL in several years. It is about an hour south of downtown Chicago, and as such, is sometimes off the radar of "must play" courses.

To me, a good golf course should have three things: quality conditions, variety of holes, and appropriate prices. The first two are an absolute requirement, with good prices being an extra bonus. Heritage Bluffs passes all three tests!

Quality
The conditions at Heritage Bluffs are excellent for a public course. The fairways are rolling, the rough tall and thick, the greens firm and true. Yardage markers, pin placements, key layups are all appropriately displayed. 

Variety
Of the 18 holes on the property, I would say only three of them (#4, #12, #14) are similar. They are still good holes, but these three tend to blend together when looking back at the end of the round.The other 15 holes are spectacular! With varying total yardages and doglegs, absolutely every club in the bag is used. Some of the par threes need only wedge, while some of the par fours are barely reachable in two. For Illinois, the course has a few elevation changes, but is still easily walkable. There aren't really any absolutely breathtaking photo opportunities of surrounding scenery beyond the golf course, but there isn't a single house to spoil the views either.

Price
Like all other courses, Heritage Bluffs has several different pricing structures. Prime time weekend rates for non-residents are $47 plus $16 for a cart. It is easily worth the price. I chose to walk after 3PM for $28 (an absolute steal!).

Conclusion
Add this course to your "must play" list. Try to play later in the day when the number of golfers on the course has decreased. Show up early for a full-service driving range, putting green, and chipping green. Oh, and the hot dogs at the turn are tasty!